The World Methodist Council recently released statements condemning violent acts in South Africa and Kenya. Members of the Methodist-Wesleyan family also responded, calling for an end to the violence.
In response to the message of condolence following the massacre at Garissa University in Kenya, Bishop Andrés Hernández Miranda from Iglesia Metodista de Mexico wrote:
Nosotros en México nos unimos en la intercesión por los familiares de cada hno hna y glorificamos al Señor de la vida por su bondad a los que en su presencia ya están. Bendito el Padre de nuestro Señor Jesucristo que nos da su Espíritu Santo para nuestro consuelo y fortalecimiento en la fe.
We in Mexico are united in intercession for the families of each Sister and Brother and glorify the Lord of life for his kindness to those in their presence already. Blessed be the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who gives us his Holy Spirit to comfort and strengthen our faith.
The Methodist Church in Zimbabwe released the following statement in response to xenophobic attacks on foreigners in South Africa:
The Methodist Church in Zimbabwe as a community of faith is shocked by the recent Xenophobic attacks and killings that have gripped South Africa and the whole world, putting to shame South Africa. These attacks presents a picture of South Africa to the world that is barbaric, violent and murderous. We the people called Methodists call upon social justice networks, trade unions, non-governmental organisations and the cooperate sector to act and agree upon appropriate responses to such attacks and killings. We all need to show solidarity with all foreign nationals targeted in the violent killings.
The killings are not only a violation of human rights but are a fundamental transgression of the spirit of brotherhood that was set in motion by the ministry and death of Jesus Christ.
The atrocities are also a violation of the spirit of neighbourliness that Africa has ever enjoyed since the days of pan africanism. For us life is sacred and every person has a right to life. No one person’s Veto can take another person’s life, even that of an African. Moreso even the unemployed have a right to life.
The World Methodist Council asks for continued prayer in the wake of these and other violent tragedies in our world.
